Adjustments in Interprofessional Communication: A Focus Group Study in Psychiatric Outpatient Units

Abstract

Communication in healthcare extends beyond patient care, impacting the work environment and job satisfaction. Interprofessional communication is essential for fostering collaboration, but challenges arise from differences in training, roles, and hierarchies. The study aimed to explore psychiatric outpatient clinicians’ experiences of interprofessional communication and their perceptions of how the communication intersects the organizational and social work environment of healthcare. Qualitative research involved focus group interviews with clinicians from five psychiatric outpatient units in Central Sweden, representing diverse professions. The authors analyzed semi-structured interview data thematically to uncover clinicians’ perspectives on interprofessional communication. An overarching theme, “Adjustment of communication,” with subthemes “Synchronized communication” and “Dislocated communication,” emerged. Clinicians adapted communication strategies based on situations and needs, with synchronized communication promoting collaboration and dislocated communication hindering it. Communicating with each other was highly valued, as it contributed to a positive work environment. The study underscores the importance of an open, supportive environment that fosters trust, and respect among healthcare clinicians. Consistent with prior research, collaboration gaps underscore the urgent need to improve interprofessional communication.

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for each clinician who took the time to participate in the study. We also thank Lars Nylander for his invaluable help in creating Figure 2.

Authors contributions

The study design involved the participation of all authors. Data collection was performed by IR, who is also the main author of the manuscript as well as by AO and MSE. Data analysis was performed by IR with the final themes and findings formulated by IR, AO, CT, and MSE. All authors have contributed to the manuscript editing and have reviewed and approved the final version.

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

The datasets generated and analyzed for the current study are not publicly available, making them available would jeopardize the participating clinicians’ confidentiality. The researchers have no ethical permission to share them. The corresponding author can be contacted if someone wishes to request the study data.

Additional information

Funding

Open access funding is provided by the University of Gävle. The Department of Health and Caring Sciences at the University of Gävle funded language editing services and provided open-access funding. The department did not play a role in the study’s design, data collection, analysis, data interpretation, or manuscript writing.